Attorney-General and Minister for Tourism, Aiyaz Sayed – Khaiyum will officially open the Fiji leg of the Volcom Pro at Tavarua Island today
The Volcom Fiji Pro surfing event has attracted world renowned surfers who are looking to take top honours at the Cloudbreak –regarded by many as the best surfing waves in the world
This includes eleven-time world champion, Kelly Slater who is already in the country among other competitors vying for the top crown
World champion Slater, who has been surfing at international championships in the past 20 years, said visiting Fiji always refreshes his high profile surfing career.
"I love Fiji and I have been visiting this place for the past 22 years. I have been surfing for 20 years and I am tired of it but coming to places like Fiji refreshes me. It is a time of enjoyment for me," the 40-year old American professional surfer said.
Tavarua will be staging the ASP World Championship Tour for the 15th time this year. Tavarua Island director, Jon Roseman said they hoped for the best at the event.
Slater, who is recovering from a foot injury, says he is looking forward to the world event. He said Hawaiian, John John Florence would be a tough competitor.
"John John will be a tough competitor here. He is very familiar with the types of waves here in Fiji and I believe he will be coming out in force at this event," Slater said.
"For me I have not surfed for more than two weeks now because of my foot injury but that will not be a problem as I am ready and well prepared for it," he added.